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Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature
"We’re starting to see...diverse voices on the shelf, a wider variety of experiences on the page, and many different reasons for getting outside. -- Jaime Herndon, Book Riot
Encompassing identity, inspiration, ancestry, and stewardship, the essays and poems by leading Black women and nonbinary scientists in Been Outside explore how experiences in the natural world and life sciences shape the self. These writers and researchers contemplate the moments that sparked their love of nature, as well as the ways time in the field and outdoor adventures have enhanced or expanded their perspectives about what is possible.
What does it mean to be a Black woman or nonbinary scientist studying the natural world? Camille Mosley considers how the rich fishing tradition of Black Americans relates to their career in freshwater ecology, Sharon Dorsey reflects on her reaction to finally meeting a wildlife professional who looks like her, and Tanisha Williams shares her powerful emotional journey of returning to South Africa to study plants. Edited by Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore, these stories from twenty-two writers showcase the challenges and joys of carving out your own path through the natural world--and will inspire anyone seeking to craft their own outdoor life. In this way, Been Outside promotes collective action toward an outdoor community that welcomes everyone.
Encompassing identity, inspiration, ancestry, and stewardship, the essays and poems by leading Black women and nonbinary scientists in Been Outside explore how experiences in the natural world and life sciences shape the self. These writers and researchers contemplate the moments that sparked their love of nature, as well as the ways time in the field and outdoor adventures have enhanced or expanded their perspectives about what is possible.
What does it mean to be a Black woman or nonbinary scientist studying the natural world? Camille Mosley considers how the rich fishing tradition of Black Americans relates to their career in freshwater ecology, Sharon Dorsey reflects on her reaction to finally meeting a wildlife professional who looks like her, and Tanisha Williams shares her powerful emotional journey of returning to South Africa to study plants. Edited by Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore, these stories from twenty-two writers showcase the challenges and joys of carving out your own path through the natural world--and will inspire anyone seeking to craft their own outdoor life. In this way, Been Outside promotes collective action toward an outdoor community that welcomes everyone.
208 pages, Paperback
Published September 11, 2023
19 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 23, 2025
4.25★
this was such an enlightening read on the experiences of being outdoors in nature from the Black perspective.
i learned not only so much about it anecdotally on an individual, every day person level, but i hadn't even realized how expansive conservation fields of science careers were. plus so many specialized studies being outdoors all day, it sounds like such an amazing way to work (tho there are def drawbacks in academia and environmentalism even before adding the layers of sexism, racism, transphobia, and ableism).
this was a collection of essays, poems, and stories of different individuals' experiences with becoming in touch with nature and most pursuing professional careers directly involved with it. definitely a must-read for any STEM and/or nature-loving readers!
this was such an enlightening read on the experiences of being outdoors in nature from the Black perspective.
i learned not only so much about it anecdotally on an individual, every day person level, but i hadn't even realized how expansive conservation fields of science careers were. plus so many specialized studies being outdoors all day, it sounds like such an amazing way to work (tho there are def drawbacks in academia and environmentalism even before adding the layers of sexism, racism, transphobia, and ableism).
this was a collection of essays, poems, and stories of different individuals' experiences with becoming in touch with nature and most pursuing professional careers directly involved with it. definitely a must-read for any STEM and/or nature-loving readers!
September 14, 2023
Been Outside is an interesting collection of essays and poems from a variety of contributors but all based around the themes of nature, ecology, otherness in a predominantly white outdoor world for either work or leisure.
I'm a white CIS female living in England so I'm not who the book is aimed at (although there is a fascinating book of rules buried in the second half which would be useful to those in the same field of work or leisure activities who want to know how best to support minoritised groups.
Despite being the exact opposite of all the contributors I found a lot of the contributions really interesting. I must admit I did think (before I started) that I had no idea why black or trans or othered people don't just go outside and enjoy nature. Now I know the answer and it had been staring me in the face all along as usual.
Inclusiveness (and its lack thereof) aside I particularly enjoyed You Should See Me Now, Afro, My Sweet Afro and Just Like Me.
If you've even the vaguest interest in going "outside" then this book is for you. It will definitely open your eyes and give you hope that change is happening and much more can be done.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
I'm a white CIS female living in England so I'm not who the book is aimed at (although there is a fascinating book of rules buried in the second half which would be useful to those in the same field of work or leisure activities who want to know how best to support minoritised groups.
Despite being the exact opposite of all the contributors I found a lot of the contributions really interesting. I must admit I did think (before I started) that I had no idea why black or trans or othered people don't just go outside and enjoy nature. Now I know the answer and it had been staring me in the face all along as usual.
Inclusiveness (and its lack thereof) aside I particularly enjoyed You Should See Me Now, Afro, My Sweet Afro and Just Like Me.
If you've even the vaguest interest in going "outside" then this book is for you. It will definitely open your eyes and give you hope that change is happening and much more can be done.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advance review copy.
October 16, 2023
Powerful collection of stories of black women and nonbinary scientists and their stories of being outside.
My favorites were
Discovering Seasonal Lee, Title TK,
A Home in Climbing, Out Here,
Together We Turn, and
The (Un)Written Rulebook.
And it was important for me to connect the dots and realize just how far back
white supremacy goes in the outdoor world from colonized names of mountain passes and rock climbing paths to even botanical naming systems. And how unwelcome white supremacy has tried to make people of color in the outdoors which should be free and safe for everyone, let alone these expert scientists.
My favorites were
Discovering Seasonal Lee, Title TK,
A Home in Climbing, Out Here,
Together We Turn, and
The (Un)Written Rulebook.
And it was important for me to connect the dots and realize just how far back
white supremacy goes in the outdoor world from colonized names of mountain passes and rock climbing paths to even botanical naming systems. And how unwelcome white supremacy has tried to make people of color in the outdoors which should be free and safe for everyone, let alone these expert scientists.
September 5, 2023
To start off... I just want to self-disclose that I am a white, queer, generally femme-presenting person (she/they) with a background in STEM academia reviewing this.
This collection of essays/poems was a very insightful look into the lives of Black, queer people with a love of the outdoors. I came into it already familiar with some of the concepts around the "Nature Gap" and have my own experiences navigating the world of academia as a femme queer; but the additional intersectionality of race, specifically being Black, reminded me just how critical this issue is. So many people view nature as an "amenity," when in reality it is a necessity.
The stories of the Black community coming together into activism groups such as Minorities in Shark Science (MISS) and the Black Arts Retreat, or just general interest groups for Black, queer snowboarders or the Twirling Tech Goddess Youtube series are incredible to read about.
As a white person, I also very much appreciated the chapter on how to be a good ally, especially as it was put in the context of the specific microaggressions Black people face in academia.
Overall a really enlightening read.
This collection of essays/poems was a very insightful look into the lives of Black, queer people with a love of the outdoors. I came into it already familiar with some of the concepts around the "Nature Gap" and have my own experiences navigating the world of academia as a femme queer; but the additional intersectionality of race, specifically being Black, reminded me just how critical this issue is. So many people view nature as an "amenity," when in reality it is a necessity.
The stories of the Black community coming together into activism groups such as Minorities in Shark Science (MISS) and the Black Arts Retreat, or just general interest groups for Black, queer snowboarders or the Twirling Tech Goddess Youtube series are incredible to read about.
As a white person, I also very much appreciated the chapter on how to be a good ally, especially as it was put in the context of the specific microaggressions Black people face in academia.
Overall a really enlightening read.
January 14, 2024
This collection of stories showed that Black women and gender non-conforming persons are very much in the minority in the science world. More should be done to support and uplift these researchers.
October 19, 2023
I love this book, especially in autumn. It’s a beautiful time to get outside, and this (re)defining collection highlights the adventures, challenges, joys and lessons of 22 Black women, nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals from a variety of backgrounds, identities, fields and experiences.
November 7, 2023
Racist, woke garbage.
February 9, 2024
***I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway***
This is a phenomenal collection of essays on what it feels like to be a black woman or black non-binary person in nature. The authors are predominantly from STEM backgrounds, but not all, and cover a wide variety of interests and abilities in the outdoors. Everything from extreme snowboarding in the backwoods to quiet moments in city parks is covered in this book.
I'm amazed at how much JOY there is in this collection. Each essay talks about hard things. Racism, sexism, imposter syndrome...and yet, the overall feel is one of joy. It's a book about connection...to nature, to each other, and ultimately to ourselves. A recurring theme is how alone the authors felt at points in their journeys. And all it took was one person encouraging them, or one real moment in nature, to show them what they needed to push forth. It's brilliant! How a black woman can take so little and create so much will always be inspiring to me.
Been Outside is just a great collection. There's everything from poetry and lyrical prose to actionable lists of resources. There's family stories and stories of independence. This collection does a phenomenal job of centering black experiences in a way that speaks to all sorts of people and can inspire all sorts of people.
This is a phenomenal collection of essays on what it feels like to be a black woman or black non-binary person in nature. The authors are predominantly from STEM backgrounds, but not all, and cover a wide variety of interests and abilities in the outdoors. Everything from extreme snowboarding in the backwoods to quiet moments in city parks is covered in this book.
I'm amazed at how much JOY there is in this collection. Each essay talks about hard things. Racism, sexism, imposter syndrome...and yet, the overall feel is one of joy. It's a book about connection...to nature, to each other, and ultimately to ourselves. A recurring theme is how alone the authors felt at points in their journeys. And all it took was one person encouraging them, or one real moment in nature, to show them what they needed to push forth. It's brilliant! How a black woman can take so little and create so much will always be inspiring to me.
Been Outside is just a great collection. There's everything from poetry and lyrical prose to actionable lists of resources. There's family stories and stories of independence. This collection does a phenomenal job of centering black experiences in a way that speaks to all sorts of people and can inspire all sorts of people.
December 21, 2024
As a white guy, I've never had to think twice about being perceived as an "outsider" as I head out for a trail run. Somehow, outdoor recreation brands and society have normalized grown men (mainly of the pale variety) running endless miles in the woods with their friends. How is it that this seemingly insignificant (and odd) activity has given me so much over the years? Am I truly unique, or have narratives and unseen forces pushed me in the direction of embracing a hobby like this? I'll leave you to ponder these existential questions, but for me personally, this book pointed out how it is the "stories" that I have associated with trail running that have allowed me to experience such meaning. It's not just the act of running that I take pleasure in (which I do), but it is the fact that it serves as a conduit to adventure, camaraderie, goal setting, and self expression.
Over the last 10 years, trail running has brought me friendships, purpose, health, and inspiration. As such, I'm grateful that this activity seemed approachable at the start of my running journey. Unfortunately, not everyone feels as welcomed or capable in participating in such activities. This book helped me realize that it was my perceived sense of belonging that allowed me to dive head first into trail running. Upon reflection, my story isn’t that unique. My demographic has not experienced explicit exclusion from outdoor spaces that Black Americans have faced (as pointed out in the introduction of this book). As such, the stories shared in this book are incredibly important and should be celebrated by all nature lovers. These stories can give permission to those that have not seen engagement with the outdoors as something “for them.”
Whether it’s trail running, birding, or any other “odd” outdoor activity, I hope Been Outside can provide the stories necessary for more people to cultivate their sense of belonging in nature, so that they too can experience the positive benefits outdoor engagement provides.
Over the last 10 years, trail running has brought me friendships, purpose, health, and inspiration. As such, I'm grateful that this activity seemed approachable at the start of my running journey. Unfortunately, not everyone feels as welcomed or capable in participating in such activities. This book helped me realize that it was my perceived sense of belonging that allowed me to dive head first into trail running. Upon reflection, my story isn’t that unique. My demographic has not experienced explicit exclusion from outdoor spaces that Black Americans have faced (as pointed out in the introduction of this book). As such, the stories shared in this book are incredibly important and should be celebrated by all nature lovers. These stories can give permission to those that have not seen engagement with the outdoors as something “for them.”
Whether it’s trail running, birding, or any other “odd” outdoor activity, I hope Been Outside can provide the stories necessary for more people to cultivate their sense of belonging in nature, so that they too can experience the positive benefits outdoor engagement provides.
January 3, 2025
Healing comes from within and in the outdoors. Black women, nonbinary, and gender expansive people are largely underrepresented if not completely invisible in depictions of people in the outdoors, academia, STEM fields, and the intersections of these spaces. Editors Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore have curated a collection of poems and essays written by ecologists, scholars, researchers, scientists, and others who have found meaning and belonging in nature. The authors, with remarkable courage, share their everyday battles with white supremacy, sexism and transphobia in professional spaces.
The authors' narratives also underscore the transformative power of nature. They reveal how the outdoors serves as a healing space, a place of solace and rejuvenation. This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that Black women and nonbinary individuals are somehow out of place in predominantly white spaces. In reality, they belong in all spaces, including academia, science fields, and the outdoors.
One would hope that a collection of essays and poems sharing the experiences and reflections of Black women, as well as nonbinary and nonconforming people, would appeal to a general audience. The book excels in its purpose to tell the untold narratives of Black people finding solace and meaning in the outdoors. The essays change the narrative that Black people do not engage in outdoor activities. Authors write candidly about their experiences of being Black in the outdoors, claiming and taking up space. The diversity of Black voices is represented in the narratives, which discuss overcoming barriers, self-actualization, and finding community. In nature, they locate a solid sense of purpose. Along the way, they bring others on the journey into the wilds of nature and self-knowledge.
The authors' narratives also underscore the transformative power of nature. They reveal how the outdoors serves as a healing space, a place of solace and rejuvenation. This perspective challenges the prevailing narrative that Black women and nonbinary individuals are somehow out of place in predominantly white spaces. In reality, they belong in all spaces, including academia, science fields, and the outdoors.
One would hope that a collection of essays and poems sharing the experiences and reflections of Black women, as well as nonbinary and nonconforming people, would appeal to a general audience. The book excels in its purpose to tell the untold narratives of Black people finding solace and meaning in the outdoors. The essays change the narrative that Black people do not engage in outdoor activities. Authors write candidly about their experiences of being Black in the outdoors, claiming and taking up space. The diversity of Black voices is represented in the narratives, which discuss overcoming barriers, self-actualization, and finding community. In nature, they locate a solid sense of purpose. Along the way, they bring others on the journey into the wilds of nature and self-knowledge.
October 28, 2023
Thank you to Mountaineers Books and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The best part of Been Outside is that it provides an insight into the relationships that Black people have with nature and their experiences working in STEM fields. People of color are and women are severely underrepresented in this realm. As Latina, I was very excited to read this book and see women of color and hear their stories. I learned so much about the the discrimination, barriers, and misconceptions that Black women face while being out in nature.
Another meaningful aspect of Been Outside was the real life examples of internships, projects, experiments, and areas of study. I was amazed by the variety of ways that nature can be studied and the career opportunities for those interested in working outside with nature. Any person interested in these types of careers would find value in reading about the authors' experiences and insight.
The last thing that I enjoyed about this book was the variety of voices and writing styles. Each author had their own way of telling their story. Readers will enjoy a mix of essays, short stories, and even poems. There was also advice shared for allies on how to help support and make the outdoors a safer space for Black people to enjoy and study. Been Outside has open my eyes to consider the experience of being out in nature in a new way. Now I am encouraged to think about the accessibility of nature for others that also face barriers.
The best part of Been Outside is that it provides an insight into the relationships that Black people have with nature and their experiences working in STEM fields. People of color are and women are severely underrepresented in this realm. As Latina, I was very excited to read this book and see women of color and hear their stories. I learned so much about the the discrimination, barriers, and misconceptions that Black women face while being out in nature.
Another meaningful aspect of Been Outside was the real life examples of internships, projects, experiments, and areas of study. I was amazed by the variety of ways that nature can be studied and the career opportunities for those interested in working outside with nature. Any person interested in these types of careers would find value in reading about the authors' experiences and insight.
The last thing that I enjoyed about this book was the variety of voices and writing styles. Each author had their own way of telling their story. Readers will enjoy a mix of essays, short stories, and even poems. There was also advice shared for allies on how to help support and make the outdoors a safer space for Black people to enjoy and study. Been Outside has open my eyes to consider the experience of being out in nature in a new way. Now I am encouraged to think about the accessibility of nature for others that also face barriers.
November 20, 2023
this book was such a treat. As a lifelong nature lover, I knew I wanted to savor this so I read it slowly over the course of a couple months and I’m so glad I did! I also took a class about women in science when I was in college, and this book brought me back into my Unsung Heroes of Science reading phase.
These essays, poems, and stories run the gamut between humorous, inspirational, charming, and cathartic. I loved the focus on community, the jaunts into different types of experiences in nature, and how different everyone’s writing style was.
I’m so excited to give this book to half of the people in my life for christmas this year!!!!
rep: Black, queer, multi/biracial, disability rep
These essays, poems, and stories run the gamut between humorous, inspirational, charming, and cathartic. I loved the focus on community, the jaunts into different types of experiences in nature, and how different everyone’s writing style was.
I’m so excited to give this book to half of the people in my life for christmas this year!!!!
rep: Black, queer, multi/biracial, disability rep
November 19, 2023
Absolutely fantastic, thought-provoking, interesting collection of stories. The editors did a wonderful job putting these together. It was eye-opening and refreshing, more things I didn't learn in school. "The writers who have contributed to this collection come from many walks of life."
The stories are tender and beautiful. I was fortunate enough to win this in a giveaway and I'm so glad I did. I highly recommend it. Thank you Amber for putting such a extraordinary collection together. I'm moved to tears and grateful.
The stories are tender and beautiful. I was fortunate enough to win this in a giveaway and I'm so glad I did. I highly recommend it. Thank you Amber for putting such a extraordinary collection together. I'm moved to tears and grateful.
December 23, 2023
The most inspiring read of all the books I've read this year. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different author's experiences being POC in academia and in the outdoors, and reading about the joy they feel in nature. I'm not a researcher or professor but I am someone who loves a long walk in the woods and it was SO fulfilling reading about other people's love for animals and the outdoors. I love that this book exists and that sales of this book benefit a nonprofit that empower under-served youth.
So glad I picked this up at my library!
So glad I picked this up at my library!
December 24, 2023
Truly outstanding collection of uplifting stories of the resilience of the human spirit in retuning to a love of nature and wisdom, listening to voices of the wild and spiritual. Excellent resources for allies and those interested in reconciliation with our fellow human and the natural world.
Many thanks to the publisher The Mountaineers for gifting this book to a few lucky interested readers and for giving back to the community.
Many thanks to the publisher The Mountaineers for gifting this book to a few lucky interested readers and for giving back to the community.
July 11, 2024
Amazing + important collection of essays and poems about Black women/femmes/and gender non-binary folks living their loves in the natural world. Breaking down the stereotypes and barriers to Black faces in White spaces ( as in the name of Carolyn Finney's book - she writes the foreward for this collection) and sharing Black joy in the outdoors whether birding or hiking or snowboarding or mountain climbing, is what this book is all about. Go read it, you all!
September 19, 2023
Been Outside
by Shaz Zamore, Amber Wendler.
An odd collection of essays and poetry to show the connection of nature with african scientists around the world. Their personal experiences, and struggles will help classrooms and children to not be afraid to try something new in nature.
by Shaz Zamore, Amber Wendler.
An odd collection of essays and poetry to show the connection of nature with african scientists around the world. Their personal experiences, and struggles will help classrooms and children to not be afraid to try something new in nature.
November 4, 2024
This book was great! A fun idea I liked was to start the book while on a hike. I liked all the perspectives/ experiences this book had to offer. I felt I learned something new about lived experiences with each essay. I would definitely recommend this read!
June 19, 2024
A great collection of essays and poems by Black authors who work or recreate in the outdoors. I especially liked the essay by Camille Mosley about their experience living and working on the Gulf.
July 9, 2024
These stories share so much joy, vulnerability, and a myriad of experiences from the authors in their adventures and relations with nature. A wonderful, informative, and important read.
August 31, 2024
This was excellent. Should be required reading for all people studying or in any science fields.
February 4, 2025
this was so good! a really great collection and I learned a lot.
February 4, 2024
[Disclaimer: I received a free e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest & unbiased review.]
This is a hard review for me to write because while there is nothing wrong with Been Outside, I still didn’t enjoy it as much as I had expected to. And as a white individual, I’m trying to balance my own personal impressions with how I imagine this collection might powerfully impact others.
You see, the introduction had me super excited. It asks questions such as, “Who goes outside? Who defines the expert?” It points out hard truths such as, “White supremacy declared these hiking routes new and waiting to be conquered.” It educates on the existence of the nature gap due to social determinants. These are the conversations I have been craving.
Unfortunately, I had a harder time feeling excited about the four sections once I actually got into them: How We Arrived (identity), All In (inspiration), Walking Ancestral Paths (ancestry), and Growing Together (stewardship). While I liked this organization in theory, I personally struggled to feel a sense of cohesion within them. Instead, entries from all throughout the book seemed to blend together in my mind.
To be fair, some of this may be due to the fact that I had expected a book that was more focused on sociological aspects of racism within outdoor recreation (and ideally how to help combat that). And while these topics were certainly present, they were approached primarily through a very individualized view rather than a macro one. Combined with the fact that many of the pieces were focused on the professional field of natural scientific research (a topic I know very little about), I found myself having trouble distinguishing the details from one account to the next any time I took a reading break.
Despite all this, I do recognize and appreciate the important representation that this book offers. There’s not many chances to see Black, femme, non-binary, and/or Queer folks in science. And after reading so many stories of individuals struggling to feel like they belong, I’m even more glad that this book exists for younger generations. Especially since it encompasses so much Black joy.
While I may not have fallen in love with many of these stories as a simple hiker, I did love the way that it expanded what it means to be “outdoorsy.” And I know that my own mediocre levels of enjoyment are most likely due to simply not being who this book was rightfully intended for.
This is a hard review for me to write because while there is nothing wrong with Been Outside, I still didn’t enjoy it as much as I had expected to. And as a white individual, I’m trying to balance my own personal impressions with how I imagine this collection might powerfully impact others.
You see, the introduction had me super excited. It asks questions such as, “Who goes outside? Who defines the expert?” It points out hard truths such as, “White supremacy declared these hiking routes new and waiting to be conquered.” It educates on the existence of the nature gap due to social determinants. These are the conversations I have been craving.
Unfortunately, I had a harder time feeling excited about the four sections once I actually got into them: How We Arrived (identity), All In (inspiration), Walking Ancestral Paths (ancestry), and Growing Together (stewardship). While I liked this organization in theory, I personally struggled to feel a sense of cohesion within them. Instead, entries from all throughout the book seemed to blend together in my mind.
To be fair, some of this may be due to the fact that I had expected a book that was more focused on sociological aspects of racism within outdoor recreation (and ideally how to help combat that). And while these topics were certainly present, they were approached primarily through a very individualized view rather than a macro one. Combined with the fact that many of the pieces were focused on the professional field of natural scientific research (a topic I know very little about), I found myself having trouble distinguishing the details from one account to the next any time I took a reading break.
Despite all this, I do recognize and appreciate the important representation that this book offers. There’s not many chances to see Black, femme, non-binary, and/or Queer folks in science. And after reading so many stories of individuals struggling to feel like they belong, I’m even more glad that this book exists for younger generations. Especially since it encompasses so much Black joy.
While I may not have fallen in love with many of these stories as a simple hiker, I did love the way that it expanded what it means to be “outdoorsy.” And I know that my own mediocre levels of enjoyment are most likely due to simply not being who this book was rightfully intended for.
October 21, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Been Outside is a thoughtful collection of essays and recollections on the power of nature and the outdoor experience from the point of view of gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and women of color edited by Drs. Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore. Released 1st Oct 2023 by Mountaineers Books, it's 208 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
Science and medicine have long been in consensus about the undeniable mental and physiological benefits of being outdoors and interacting with nature. There's a large disconnect between representation of non"mainstream" nature lovers in the media: the vast majority are white, college educated, middle class +. The real truth is much more complex and nuanced (completely ignoring the millennia of indigenous people who have learned and interacted with nature as a matter of course, which is the *point*, in many/most cases they've been ignored or erased). This book grew out of a desire to document the experiences and knowledge of black, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming nature lovers and that is exactly what they have done.
Although the editors started their process by concentrating on gathering the stories of STEM folks (they're both STEM educators, and started with their wider peer groups), the book grew to include stories written by academics in other fields, alongside creative writers and outdoors enthusiasts. It's heavily weighted toward academics, but the writing is very much layman accessible, readable, and often thought provoking.
It's interesting and educational. Representation is -so- important and it's to be sincerely hoped that this book will encourage and pave the way for more young people in STEM fields.
Five stars. There are woefully few books with a focus on diversity in STEM which are layman accessible. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, gifting, or home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Been Outside is a thoughtful collection of essays and recollections on the power of nature and the outdoor experience from the point of view of gender nonconforming, nonbinary, and women of color edited by Drs. Amber Wendler and Shaz Zamore. Released 1st Oct 2023 by Mountaineers Books, it's 208 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats.
Science and medicine have long been in consensus about the undeniable mental and physiological benefits of being outdoors and interacting with nature. There's a large disconnect between representation of non"mainstream" nature lovers in the media: the vast majority are white, college educated, middle class +. The real truth is much more complex and nuanced (completely ignoring the millennia of indigenous people who have learned and interacted with nature as a matter of course, which is the *point*, in many/most cases they've been ignored or erased). This book grew out of a desire to document the experiences and knowledge of black, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming nature lovers and that is exactly what they have done.
Although the editors started their process by concentrating on gathering the stories of STEM folks (they're both STEM educators, and started with their wider peer groups), the book grew to include stories written by academics in other fields, alongside creative writers and outdoors enthusiasts. It's heavily weighted toward academics, but the writing is very much layman accessible, readable, and often thought provoking.
It's interesting and educational. Representation is -so- important and it's to be sincerely hoped that this book will encourage and pave the way for more young people in STEM fields.
Five stars. There are woefully few books with a focus on diversity in STEM which are layman accessible. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, gifting, or home use.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 21, 2023
This was such a lovely book.
As a mushroom enjoyer foremost I enjoy spending time in nature, although I don't do it very often as nature is very inaccessible sadly. Then as someone who used to study biology I enjoy the science part of nature just as much. This book both spoke to me in those two interests and I absolutely loved it.
Instead of the author telling a story and pointing out all the problems with the overly white science of nature, this book chooses to let different kinds of people talk about their relationship with nature and the things they experience while enjoying that. Most of the people in the book were researchers but not all of them were. There were so many fields of science discussed and different kinds of nature enjoyers, from birders to marine biologists to people who enjoy hiking or surfing. It made the book incredibly varied while still having the overarching theme of being Black in this white dominant field.
This theme was done incredibly well and I learned a lot from it. It showed examples of how these things are incredibly white and opened up my eyes for things I still had to learn. It told experiences of discrimination but also many moments of beautiful Black joy. As a white person it gave me a peek into their experiences which is extremely valuable and I can't thank the people who wrote in this enough.
It was also amazing to read of all these people enjoying nature in their own way. It made me see that nature is so different for everyone. Some people go out for the silence while others always went with groups to have communal fun. It made me feel so incredibly happy to see so many people finding their place in nature that this book totally made me smile a lot.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nature and wants to read about others who do too, while learning more how it is to be in that field while being Black and a women and/or nonbinary.
4.5 stars rounded up
I received an eARC through Netgalley and this was my honest review.
As a mushroom enjoyer foremost I enjoy spending time in nature, although I don't do it very often as nature is very inaccessible sadly. Then as someone who used to study biology I enjoy the science part of nature just as much. This book both spoke to me in those two interests and I absolutely loved it.
Instead of the author telling a story and pointing out all the problems with the overly white science of nature, this book chooses to let different kinds of people talk about their relationship with nature and the things they experience while enjoying that. Most of the people in the book were researchers but not all of them were. There were so many fields of science discussed and different kinds of nature enjoyers, from birders to marine biologists to people who enjoy hiking or surfing. It made the book incredibly varied while still having the overarching theme of being Black in this white dominant field.
This theme was done incredibly well and I learned a lot from it. It showed examples of how these things are incredibly white and opened up my eyes for things I still had to learn. It told experiences of discrimination but also many moments of beautiful Black joy. As a white person it gave me a peek into their experiences which is extremely valuable and I can't thank the people who wrote in this enough.
It was also amazing to read of all these people enjoying nature in their own way. It made me see that nature is so different for everyone. Some people go out for the silence while others always went with groups to have communal fun. It made me feel so incredibly happy to see so many people finding their place in nature that this book totally made me smile a lot.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys nature and wants to read about others who do too, while learning more how it is to be in that field while being Black and a women and/or nonbinary.
4.5 stars rounded up
I received an eARC through Netgalley and this was my honest review.
September 15, 2023
As an engineer (I am a cis white woman) who loves the outdoors I requested this book to learn more about Black scientists and their work. While I got that, I also got a reminder that so much of Black history has been tied to the outdoors. So often outdoor spaces and hobbies are considered white hobbies, but there is such a rich heritage of Black influence and presence in the outdoors. It addresses why Black people are often driven away from public outdoor spaces and how damaging that is.
This book was a great collection of essays and poems about Black experiences outdoors. There are contributions by ecologists, outdoor enthusiasts, people who participate in extreme sports, and more. There are so many ways to be outside and to love nature, and this was a beautiful exploration of Black experiences in those spaces. It explores the feelings of discomfort and othering that happens as Black people try to enjoy and thrive in nature, with some tips on how to be a good ally as we are out in nature and in public spaces in general.
For those who spend time outside, this is an important read to learn about how essential nature is and creating spaces that are truly inclusive.
This book was a great collection of essays and poems about Black experiences outdoors. There are contributions by ecologists, outdoor enthusiasts, people who participate in extreme sports, and more. There are so many ways to be outside and to love nature, and this was a beautiful exploration of Black experiences in those spaces. It explores the feelings of discomfort and othering that happens as Black people try to enjoy and thrive in nature, with some tips on how to be a good ally as we are out in nature and in public spaces in general.
For those who spend time outside, this is an important read to learn about how essential nature is and creating spaces that are truly inclusive.
November 13, 2023
I received a free copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and Mountaineers Books; all opinions expressed are exclusively my own.
Full disclosure: I did not finish this book before it expired at roughly 30% of the way through. This is not due to anything lacking on the part of this book; it was a beautiful, intimate look at how a variety of people experienced nature frequently as a healing, grounding experience. As a dedicated indoors nerd, I could still appreciate how important these experiences are, and would fully recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely intrigued by the subject. I place the blame at my attention span for reading nonfiction, but am so glad I read as much as I did!
Full disclosure: I did not finish this book before it expired at roughly 30% of the way through. This is not due to anything lacking on the part of this book; it was a beautiful, intimate look at how a variety of people experienced nature frequently as a healing, grounding experience. As a dedicated indoors nerd, I could still appreciate how important these experiences are, and would fully recommend this book to anyone who is even remotely intrigued by the subject. I place the blame at my attention span for reading nonfiction, but am so glad I read as much as I did!
October 14, 2023
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Mountaineers Books for providing me with an eARC of Been Outside! This book is an incredible collection of works from such an incredible collection of authors! In reading this book, I realized how few works there really are that are as encouraging of finding a connection with nature through the lens of being in a minority group. Each piece in this collection gave me a new perspective on nature, science, and the world as a whole and genuinely made me feel a hope for the future that I have not felt in a long time. I highly recommend this book.
December 16, 2023
I really enjoyed reading a compilation of different perspectives and experiences of being a Black woman or nonbinary scientist studying the natural world. While I enjoyed each piece and its uniqueness, the one that touched me the most was about a little girl finally seeing someone like her studying wildlife.
August 23, 2023
Great title! I found myself deep in the stories of the authors. As a white-passing woman of color, I never felt like I belong anywhere, except nature, so I found myself able to connect at that level.
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